A source said: "Ryan's hair replacement treatment started in June 2009 and was going great.

"But since February he's missed quite a few appointments and his hair noticeably thinned on top. We thought it was because he was busy with his football. Now it looks like he was busier off the pitch. He was told the thinning was due to missed appointments and stress.

"He was recommended to buy a Tricostym machine.

"It has about 20 lasers which increase blood flow in the scalp and promote hair growth. It's painless, you can do it at home."